Not your typical entrepreneurial duo, mom Shelby and daughter Courtney have grown their relationship alongside their flourishing hair products and accessories business, Supercrush. The pair started Supercrush in 2018, sewing scrunchies together in their kitchen. They’ve since expanded the brand, raised children, started new endeavors (including Shelby’s modeling debut at 60!), set vibrant examples of aging well, and formed a close mother-daughter bond.
The pair joins us for an interview, sharing their experience of working and learning together, the importance of confidence (and how to feel it at every age), and of course, a few practical tips on good hair days for everyone!
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What’s your favorite part about running Supercrush together?
The time spent together! What a unique opportunity we have to get to share so much quality time together during studio days (with Courtney’s two kiddos in tow) or getting to travel together (like we just did to California to shoot our newest collection).
What are your favorite ways to unwind and spend time together outside of work?
Wine tasting together in the Okanagan is our happy place.
You’ve been working together for 6 years now–what are your best tips for communicating well as a mom-daughter business duo?
Our dynamic works because we have different strengths but the same values, which keeps us aligned.
It’s felt pretty seamless since the beginning because we’ve always been super close. But tackling challenges and relying on each other in a business setting has really grown our mutual respect and admiration for each other.
We have a lot of fun together! It’s cool to experience the amazing synchronicity we’ve developed after 6 years–a lot does not need to be said because we can predict what the other is thinking.
Any other favorite mom-daughter brands that you love?
We’re big fans of Nudestix!
What’s so important about good hair days?
When you look good you feel good! A good hair day can really give you the extra confidence boost you need and help you feel and look your best.
Spotlight on Shelby
When did you start modeling, and what does it mean to you to represent women in midlife?
I was invited to join Stranger Agency in 2019 at the age of 60. It’s an amazing agency that places a premium on diversity and inclusivity. Modeling has challenged me to navigate my 60s with resilience and gratitude despite the concerns that all women in this decade face. I place a high value on vitality and life-long learning, so working in this business provides many opportunities to put these to the test.
We all get into a beauty rut once in a while. How would you encourage other women to get creative and enjoy their beauty routines again?
Honestly, I like to stick with what works so I’m not too adventurous with skincare (my number one rule is never go to bed with an unwashed/unmoisturized face). But every time I work with a makeup artist I get their insider tips and recommendations, including drug store products and premium brands. One fav: if you have unruly brows like mine, try Got2B styling gel.
Any silver hair care advice for women embracing their natural hair?
Silver hair is easy and hard at the same time. Easy because you no longer have roots and regrowth to worry about, and I think silver enhances an aging skin tone. But silver is so temperamental–it easily absorbs water impurities causing discoloration, is more prone to heat and sun damage, and can be more dry and brittle. You need a good pigmented shampoo and conditioner, and a smart hair stylist.
How has your perspective on aging changed?
First of all, I’ve learned to appreciate the wear and tear my body shows because it reminds me of all I’ve done. I accept the lines and sags. Secondly, the body positivity movement really opened the door to the pro-aging mindset which is such a good thing. Thirdly, perfection is boring (and unachievable). I’m all for maximizing potential and improving the body and mind but I’m concerned for young women especially who chase perfection via enhancers.
What have you learned about being a mom to adult children?
My children are my treasures and I’m so proud of them. They are always, hands down, my favourite people in the room. To parents who are in the weeds right now–the sacrifices of parenthood are so worth it! Recently, I heard Celine Dion say, “if you want to go fast go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
Spotlight on Courtney
What has surprised you about your mom since working together?
She’s so smart! I mean, I’ve always known that, but I didn’t know how smart she was until I had the opportunity to see it first hand in so many business contexts. She’s incredibly resourceful and an amazing problem solver. For example, I’ll show her a photo on Pinterest one afternoon about a scrunchie style that looks cool and the next morning she’s sent me 3 prototypes.
How has your perspective on aging shifted in watching your mom in this new season of life?
Aging is such a privilege! My mom reminds me that age is just a number and you can be continually reinventing yourself, learning, and growing at any stage of life.
Both my mom and I have had the privilege of watching her mom (my Nanny) pave the way and be an amazing example of this. You should see her—she’s the hippest grandma out there wearing leopard print sets and FaceTiming her great grandchildren from her iPhone! (Watch her review a new Supercrush clip in style here.)
Outside of your work, what’s something you’re really enjoying about your season of life right now?
I just spent a month traveling around Europe with my husband and two little boys (3 and 1) and it was so special. I’ve always loved adventure and being spontaneous and I feel very fortunate to be in a season of life where we can say yes to those types of things with my kiddos.
What’s the best lesson you learned from your mom that you’re practicing now as a mom yourself?
My mom has always taught me to work hard and never give up and she’s demonstrated what that looks like throughout my whole life. I hope to pass down the same work ethic to my children.
How does it feel to see your mom aging well and owning her beauty with confidence?
I am SO proud of her! I know she’s an inspiration to a lot of people so I feel extremely lucky that I get a front row seat to watch her navigate this chapter of life. Seeing how incredible she looks also makes me a lot less afraid of the gray hairs I have popping up, ha!
More importantly than her external beauty though, my mom has inspired me with her immense wisdom, her resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, and her commitment to lifelong learning and development. I really do want to be just like her when I grow up!
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Signing off from the Supercrush duo, Courtney and Shelby share their best tips for turning a bad hair day into a good one.
- Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new!
- Play around with accessories to give your hair the extra oomph it needs.
- Use a natural dry shampoo to extend your style and give your roots some extra volume.
